Man Attempts Suicide Outside Of ‘Today’ Show

There was a horrific moment on the platform outside of ‘Today’ on June 6, as a man with a knife attempted to kill himself before being apprehended and taken into custody by police. Read on.

The crowd that gathers outside the Today show got a huge scare on June 6 when a man in the audience pulled a knife out and began harming himself. He reportedly started cutting his wrists and possibly his forearms before police were able to wrestle the weapon away and take the man into custody. Blood covered the sidewalk outside of Today as the man was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Man Cuts Himself With Knife Outside Of ‘Today’ Show

Police said that the man was part of a group of people watching the filming of Today in Rockefeller Center in New York City, and at about 7:50 a.m., he pulled out the knife, presumably attempting to commit suicide in a very public way, according to the Daily News. As of now it is unclear if the man was a tourist or if he said anything to anyone before the act.

The incident occurred off camera, though Matt Lauer did address it on air. He stated that the man, who is reportedly in his 50s, only wanted to harm himself and no one else. He also quickly tweeted to assure everyone that the situation was under control. “All secure on the plaza after a scary incident. Thanks to our security team and the NYPD,” he first tweeted. He then added, “Sorry, a man attempted to harm himself with a knife. He is under police control. In custody.”

The man was reportedly rushed to the nearby St. Luke’s Hospital, and he is expected to survive. This must’ve been such a terrifying moment for everyone involved — thankfully the NYPD were able to act quickly and control the situation. We hope this troubled man is able to get whatever help he needs.